The
time and money employers spend dealing with red tape is spiralling out of
control, the latest research finds.
A
survey of more than 200 businesses by Peninsula reveals the overall cost of red
tape to business increased from £19.24bn per year in 2001 to £20.73bn last
year. It is anticipated costs will jump again during 2003 to £21.36bn.
The
amount individual companies spend on complying with new legislation has
increased year-on-year from £18,242 in 1997 to £26,762 last year.
The
average time employers spend dealing with HR issues and red tape has also
climbed from three hours a week in 1997 to nine hours in 2002.
Peter
Done, managing director of Peninsula, said the survey shows the Government
needs to change the way it introduces new legislation.
"How
can the Government expect employers to run a successful business while trying
to cope with constant new employment legislation, the threat of a tribunal and
a substantial amount of their time diverted from their primary role," he
said.
The
study reveals that more than three-quarters of employers think the Government
does not do enough to help business tackle red tape.
Rising
cost of red tape
Annual
cost for individual firms to comply with new legislation:
1997:
£18,242
1998: £19,347
1999: £20,377
2000: £22,455
2001: £24,321
2002: £26,762
Source:
Peninsula
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